Australia captain Ponting retires from T20s

Australia captain Ricky Ponting on Monday announced his retirement from international Twenty20 cricket in a bid to prolong his Test career.

Ponting, speaking just a fortnight after losing the Ashes series against England, said he would honour his commitments to Australia's domestic Twenty20 competition and the Indian Premier League.

"After much thought and careful consideration I have advised Cricket Australia of my decision to retire from international Twenty20 cricket," he said in a statement.

"I feel this decision provides me the opportunity to prolong my Australian Test and one-day career, an opportunity I am extremely determined about," he added.

Ponting will remain as captain of Australia's Test and one-day sides as he targets revenge in the 2013 Ashes series in England. The 2-1 defeat was Australia's second successive reverse in England, both under Ponting.

"As I said after the fifth Test in London, I am hoping to continue playing Test cricket for as long as possible and retiring from the Twenty20 format gives me the best chance of doing this," he said.

"I will now have set periods of rest throughout the Australian summer and while touring, which I feel will be very beneficial."